At least eight patients have died after a major fire broke out at a COVID-19 hospital in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad in the wee hours of Thursday.
All eight victims were being treated at the ICU ward of the Covid-19 designated Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad, an official said.
The fire was reported at around 3 am, fire engines and ambulances of the fire department were rushed to the site to douse the flames.
Around 40 people have been rescued and moved to a civic hospital in the city.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and said, “Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to CM @vijayrupanibjp Ji and Mayor @ibijalpatel Ji regarding the situation. Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected.”
The prime minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.
“Ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Rs. 50,000 each would be given to those injured due to the hospital fire,” Prime Minister’s office tweeted.
